Judy Medlin Champion, 85, passed away on Saturday, September 26, 2026. She was born in Kings Mountain, NC on September 16, 1941, daughter to the late James Medlin and Irene Gaffney Medlin. She is also preceded in death by her husband, James Robert Champion Jr., daughter, Debra Lynn Champion, brother, Roy Medlin, and sister, Jo Eng.

Judy graduated from Kings Mountain High School in 1959 where she was a 1958 Carrousel Princess and a standout basketball player. She held the career scoring record for KMHS for many years while scoring 501 points during her senior year, including a school record 55 point game vs. Tri-High, and was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame in 2001.

After graduation, she and Robert married and raised their family in Kings Mountain and Monroe. Judy worked for Union County Schools for over 20 years and retired in 2004 as a payroll administrator.

Judy was very active at Mount Carmel Church, serving in many roles for her church, including treasurer. She was also a loyal member of the Golden Oldies. Judy volunteered at Operation Reach Out, working in many roles while also serving on its board. She also was active for the NC Retired School Personnel, serving on committees for region 3.

As Judy continued her journey, she became Nana to us all. One of her greatest gifts was the ability to make the most or “find the good” in whatever life presented her through the years. She continuously put others before herself, always brought a smile/hug whenever someone needed it, and made sure that everyone she encountered was doing ok. Nana will be so dearly missed by everyone who was fortunate enough to know her.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, October 8, 2026 at Mt. Carmel Church, 1712 Carmel Church Rd. Monroe, NC 28112. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 10:00 AM until 10:45 AM. She will be laid to rest with a memorial service on Thursday October 8, at 2:30 PM at Mountain Rest Cemetery, 111 S. Dilling St. Kings Mountain, NC 28086.

Judy is survived by her two sons, Craig Champion (Missy), Wes Champion (Judy), daughter, Lori Manos (Frank), brother, Jim Medlin (Mary), sister, Lib Roberts, eight grandchildren, Robert

Champion (Bonnie), Lindsey Powell (Ty), James Champion, Anna Champion, Hank Manos (Breanna), Elizabeth Champion, Maria Champion, Joseph Champion, and two great-grandchildren, Caroline Powell, and Bowen Manos.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Mt. Carmel Church, 1712 Carmel Church Rd. Monroe, NC 28112.

Online condolences may be made at www.gordonfuneralservice.com

Gordon Funeral Service & Crematory, 1904 Lancaster Ave. Monroe, NC 28112, is honored to be entrusted to care for the Champion Family.